My First Three-Act Math Task

In recent months, our math team has been exploring rich math tasks, not only as an engaging way to teach math to students, but also as a tool to help educators understand the variety of strategies that students use to solve a problem. We can then place these strategies along a progression of inefficient to efficient. 

Lately, we have taken an interest in three-act math tasks, and in particular, tasks created by Graham Fletcher (a.k.a. GFletchy). If you aren't sure what a three-act math task is, you should check out this post from Dan Meyer, the inventor of the three-act task, among many other awesome things. I've been thinking about creating a task for a while now, and I finally got around to doing it. So, here's my first attempt. Enjoy!

DVD Dilemma

Ontario Curriculum: Grade 4

4m29–multiply to 9 x 9 and divide to 81 ÷ 9, using a variety of mental strategies 4m31–multiply whole numbers by 10, 100, and 1000, and divide whole numbers by 10 and 100, using mental strategies

4m34–use estimation when solving problems involving the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of whole numbers, to help judge the reasonableness of a solution

4m35–describe relationships that involve simple whole–number multiplication 4m36–determine and explain, through investigation, the relationship between fractions and decimals to tenths, using a variety of tools and strategies

4m37–demonstrate an understanding of simple multiplicative relationships involving unit rates, through investigation using concrete materials and drawings

Act 1:

1. How many DVDs will fit on the shelf?
2. What is your estimate?

Here is a link to GFletchy's three-act task recording sheet.

Act 2:

The width of one section of the shelf       The width of two DVDs

Act 3:

Click here to go to the Google Drive folder with all of the files.